Christmas in China
Christmas in China is a commercial phenomenon, not a religious one. In a country where Christians make up roughly 3-5% of the population, December 25 has been adopted by young urbanites as a shopping holiday and social occasion. Shopping malls in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou go all out with decorations, and the exchange of 'ping'an guo' (Christmas Eve apples) has become a uniquely Chinese tradition.
Christmas in China is a holiday without a country. It is not on the calendar. It is not a day off. It carries no religious significance for the vast majority of the population. And yet, every December, Chinese cities transform into glittering Christmas wonderlands. Shopping malls install trees that rival Rockefeller Center. Young couples exchange wrapped apples on Christmas Eve. And a saxophone-playing Santa Claus, a figure that exists nowhere else on earth, stands guard at the entrance to countless department stores.
The Apple That Launched a Tradition
The most distinctly Chinese Christmas custom has no Western equivalent. On Christmas Eve (Ping'an Ye), young people give each other apples wrapped in cellophane and ribbons. The tradition is a pun: 'ping'an' means peace or safety in Chinese, and the word for apple is 'pingguo.' Christmas Eve became 'Peaceful Evening,' and the apple became its symbol. Street vendors and supermarkets sell decorated apples for 10-50 yuan (roughly $1.50-7), several times the normal price. The tradition emerged in the early 2000s and spread rapidly through social media.
Christmas as Commerce
China's adoption of Christmas is driven entirely by commerce and social media. Shopping malls compete with increasingly elaborate decorations and events. Starbucks launches its red cup season. Restaurants offer Christmas Eve set menus. KTV (karaoke) venues fill with groups of friends celebrating. December 24 functions as a second Valentine's Day for young couples, who book restaurants, exchange gifts, and walk through illuminated districts together.
The religious dimension exists but remains small. China has an estimated 38-67 million Christians (the range reflects the difficulty of counting unregistered house church members), and Christmas services at official churches draw crowds. But for the majority of participants, Christmas in China is a lifestyle event, a reason to shop, eat out, and post photos online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese people celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, and December 25 is a regular working day. However, young urban Chinese have adopted it as a commercial and social occasion. Shopping malls decorate extensively, couples go on Christmas Eve dates, and friends exchange apple gifts. The holiday has no religious significance for the vast majority of participants.
What is Ping'an Guo?
Ping'an Guo (peace apple) is the Chinese tradition of giving elaborately wrapped apples on Christmas Eve. The custom comes from a pun: 'ping'an' means peace, and 'pingguo' means apple. The tradition emerged in the early 2000s and is now widespread among young Chinese.
Why is there a saxophone Santa in China?
Life-size Santa Claus figures playing saxophones appear in shopping malls across China every December. The origin of this specific combination is unclear, but it has become a recognizable and uniquely Chinese Christmas motif, widely photographed and shared on social media.
Traditions & Customs
Ping'an Guo (Christmas Eve Apples)
On Christmas Eve (Ping'an Ye), young Chinese exchange elaborately wrapped apples as gifts. The tradition comes from a pun: 'ping'an' means 'peace' in Chinese, and 'apple' is 'pingguo,' creating a phonetic connection. Apples are wrapped in cellophane with ribbons and sold at premium prices.
Shopping Mall Celebrations
Major shopping malls across Chinese cities install elaborate Christmas decorations, Santa Claus performers, and photo opportunities. Christmas in China is primarily a retail event, with malls competing for the most impressive displays.
KTV (Karaoke) Christmas Parties
Young Chinese often celebrate Christmas Eve at KTV (karaoke) venues, restaurants, or bars with friends. Christmas Eve is treated as a social occasion similar to Valentine's Day rather than a family holiday.
Church Services
China's estimated 38-67 million Christians attend Christmas services at registered churches. Services at major churches in Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities draw large crowds, including non-Christians curious about the celebration.
Not a Public Holiday
December 25 is a regular working day in China. The major winter holiday is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), which falls in January or February. Christmas is entirely commercial and voluntary.
Christmas Markets
Yu Garden Holiday Fair
Shanghai's historic Yu Garden area hosts seasonal decorations and food stalls during December. While not strictly a Christmas market, it blends Chinese and Western holiday elements in an atmospheric traditional setting.
Key Dates
Ping'an Ye (Christmas Eve)
The main social event. Young people exchange apples, go to restaurants and bars, and attend mall events. It functions more like a social holiday than a religious observance.
Sheng Dan Jie (Christmas Day)
A regular working day. Shopping malls continue promotions, but there is no holiday or family gathering tradition.
Christmas Carols
Jingle Bells
Ling Er Xiang Ding DangThe most widely known Christmas song in China, played in malls and public spaces throughout December. Most Chinese know the melody even if they do not celebrate Christmas.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Another globally recognized carol that plays frequently in Chinese shopping malls during the holiday season.
